THE SOUDAN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 80, 7 March 1885, Page 3

THE SOUDAN.

(by electric- telegraph. — copyright.) [special to united press association.] 1 London, March 4. The War Office are willing to supply officers and sergeants to the Australian August contingents. A large sum has been offered at Home towards the Patriotic Fund. An engagement with the rebels under Osman Digna is expected to take place on the 20th. March 5. Lord Wolseley, who is suffering from an affection of the eyes, will probably return to Cairo. (by electric telegraph-copyright. ) (REUTE < ? 8 TELKGHAMS.I Melbourne, March 6. The Victorian Government has received a telegram from Earl Derby similar to that received by South Australia as to the acceptanco of further colonial troops for Soudan. It is improbable the Ministry will do anything m the matter until Parliament meets. Adelaide, March 6. The Advertiser newspaper severely condemns the proposal to despatch a South Australian contingent to Egypt. London, March 5. The Marquis of Harrington m the House of Commons to-day confirmed the statements of which have- been current that it- was proposed .to increase the standing army, but added that the number of additional men is as yet unsettled. Evelyn Ashley, Under Colonial Secretary, announced to Parliament this afternoon that a telegram had been sent to the colonies stating that if a further force could be despatched to arrive afc Suakiin by September the Government would gladly accept their services.